Our small but mighty fundraising team helps generate the income needed to sustain our services across Scotland, from challenge events and corporate partnerships to grants from trusts and foundations.

Meet the team

David Black, Fundraising and Development Manager ([email protected])

Leads all regional fundraising activity. David has been with SSAFA for ten years.

Scott Cunningham MBE, Community and Challenge Events Officer ([email protected])

Supports our Kiltwalkers and challenge participants. A former UK Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year, Scott has raised funds in remarkable ways, including summiting Ben Nevis with his previous guide dog Travis, now an honorary Green Beret.

Sandra Millar, Corporate and Special Events Officer ([email protected])

Develops relationships with companies keen to support SSAFA, and leads on special events such as Cross Company Armed Forces Network Meeting.

Michelle McConnell, Trusts Officer ([email protected])

Applies for grants that support both regional work and local branches. Also volunteers as a caseworker and participates in SSAFA events as part of the Military Wives Choir and brass bands.

We provide opportunities to get involved in challenge events throughout the year, helping you and your branch engage supporters in fun and meaningful ways.

We can help source local grant funding for any projects you are considering at branch level, ensuring your ideas have the best chance of becoming a reality.

We support the development of relationships with local corporate partners and make use of national partnerships to help recruit local volunteers where needed.

We work closely with the Community Engagement Manager (CEM) and Regional Marcomms Manager (RMM) to ensure branches have the help, support, and resources required to deliver impactful, safe, and well‑supported fundraising activity.

The Statutory Partnerships team works across regions to strengthen relationships with councils, NHS bodies, and local authorities, helping secure statutory funding that complements your fundraising work at the local level.

They:

• build relationships with statutory stakeholders
• share insights on local needs
• identify local and regional funding opportunities
• support branches with statutory engagement.

Scotland does not currently have a designated regional statutory lead, but Elleanor (Elly) Hutson ([email protected]) is your point of contact for statutory opportunities and will work collaboratively with our Scotland fundraising team to maximise impact.

There’s a fundraising opportunity for everyone, from gentle cups of tea to strenuous obstacle races. Popular activities include.

• Kiltwalk (Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow)
• The Kelpies Aerial Experience
• Big Brew Up
• Zip slides, abseils, runs, swims, and more.

All offer ways to raise money and awareness for your local branch or for SSAFA Scotland.